The idea of working in health, fitness, or the medical field is something a lot of people think about. Maybe even you have given it serious consideration in your life. A career in an allied health field is more beneficial than you probably realize and might be right for you.

5 Benefits of Working in Allied Healthcare

There’s a lot to like about the career opportunities in the allied health field. Career options include specialties like rehabilitation therapy, nutritional therapy, diagnostic services, speech-language pathology, and much more. But aside from the diversity of options, what are the biggest benefits of working in allied healthcare?

Let’s take a look at some of the top reasons to give this field some consideration.

1. High Demand and Job Security

Once you find yourself in the allied health field, you won’t have trouble getting work. Demand for allied health professionals is at an all-time high. The field is expected to grow from 15.6 million jobs back in 2010 to 19.8 million by the end of 2020. The fastest-growing professions in the field are: certified occupational therapy assistants, physical therapy assistants, audiologists, hearing aid specialists, and speech language pathologists.

2. Improving Pay

In addition to the job security that comes with a career in allied health, you can also expect to make a pretty comfortable salary. Median salaries range from $50,000 to $80,000 in many fields, with many of the top professionals making six figures. There are also plenty of opportunities to improve your pay over time. The salary outlook is bright and experienced people can expect to see their pay rise considerably every few years.

3. Flexible Education Options

One of the best parts about allied healthcare is that you don’t necessarily need a graduate degree. Some of the fields simply require a bachelor’s degree and specialized training. For example, if you’re interested in being a medical laboratory scientist, many universities offer straightforward BS degrees that can be earned while still working a job. In fact, The University of Southern Mississippi has a program where current medical laboratory technicians can get their degree and become a Medical Laboratory Scientist while completing the required clinical at their current place of employment.

4. Fulfilling Work

There’s something to be said for doing a job that gives you purpose and meaning. (Want a more positive outlook.) For some people, sitting at a computer all day is their dream job. But that might not be the job for you. You might be looking for a career in allied health that offers fulfillment of a lifelong dream.

If you want a job that’s meaningful and helps others, a career in an allied health field could be exactly what you’re looking for. Depending on the specialty you choose, you’ll have the opportunity to better people’s lives on a daily basis.

5. Chance to Move Around

Are you looking for the opportunity to see new places and experience new things? Wherever you go, there’s a demand for allied health professionals. Whether you want to return to your hometown, move across the country, or travel the globe and live on another continent, you’ll have many opportunities to continue your career.

Putting it All Together

There are plenty of logical reasons to pursue a career in allied healthcare, but at the end of the day, it comes down to you and your passion. Are you interested in working closely alongside people to help them get the care they need in situations that can be, challenging? If you have a passion for people and have always been intrigued by healthcare, a career in an allied health field just might be your perfect choice.